Description
Southern-Style Low Country Seafood Boil is a beloved coastal classic loaded with shrimp, smoked sausage, corn on the cob, and tender baby potatoes, all simmered in a boldly seasoned broth. This crowd-pleasing meal is perfect for family gatherings, backyard cookouts, and summer celebrations.
Ingredients
Seafood and Meat
- 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (or shell-on)
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 2-inch pieces
Vegetables
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
- 4 ears corn, cut into thirds
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 lemon, halved
- 8 cups water
- ¼ cup seafood boil seasoning
- 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: Fill a large stockpot with the water and add the quartered onion, halved lemon, seafood boil seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, smashed garlic cloves, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil to infuse the flavors.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the baby potatoes to the boiling broth and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until they are just tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add the sausage: Stir in the sliced smoked sausage and continue boiling for 5 minutes to allow the sausage to heat through and release its smoky flavor into the broth.
- Add the corn: Incorporate the corn pieces and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the corn is tender but still crisp.
- Cook the shrimp: Finally, add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes just until they turn pink and opaque, being careful not to overcook.
- Drain and serve: Drain the entire seafood boil thoroughly and transfer to a large serving platter or lay it out on a newspaper-lined table for an authentic presentation.
- Finish and garnish: Drizzle the melted butter over the seafood boil and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the seafood.
Notes
- Using shell-on shrimp adds extra flavor to the broth during cooking.
- For a larger seafood feast, consider adding crab legs or crawfish to the boil.
- Serve with crusty bread and extra melted butter for dipping to enhance the meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern
